Which element combines music with theater in tragedy?

In the context of tragedy, the element that combines music with theater is the chorus. The chorus traditionally serves several functions within a tragic play, including providing commentary on the action, expressing collective emotions, and linking the individual characters’ experiences with broader societal themes. Often, the chorus will engage in song, which integrates music into the theatrical experience.

The songs performed by the chorus are integral to the emotional landscape of the tragedy, enhancing the thematic depth and allowing audiences to engage with the story on a more profound level. They create a rhythmic and lyrical element that complements the spoken dialogue, highlighting the emotional stakes of the narrative. In ancient Greek tragedies, for instance, the chorus would perform choral odes that were both sung and danced, further blending music with dramatic narrative.

Although song is a component of the chorus's function, the term "chorus" more accurately encapsulates the musical element within the structural framework of a tragic performance.